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  • Bookshop-Cafés You Can Add to Your London Travel Itinerary

    Bookshop-Cafés You Can Add to Your London Travel Itinerary

    There’s no better thrill than that of snaking through shelves and discovering new books. While you may be trying to recreate a similar atmosphere at home, there’s nothing like the real thing, and London is top of the mind when it comes to literary destinations. It’s long been regarded as a go-to literary destination, as it was once home to the likes of Virginia Woolf, T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, and E.M. Forster – just to namedrop a few. And of course London is where William Shakespeare’s famous plays were written and performed. As any fan of literature knows his influence has shaped language both in the UK and across the world, with Gala Bingo emphasizing how the Bard is responsible for the many words we use today, including ‘fashionable’ and ‘swagger’. Today, visitors can stroll with fashionable swagger whilst connecting with these literary roots, through destinations, landmarks, libraries, and now, bookshop-cafés.

    Café culture has become quite prominent in London, with new spaces sprouting about left and right to cater to visitors’ needs. For those who love coffee and literature, bookshop-café hybrids offer the best of both worlds and here are some of the best.

    Image via Pixabay

    London Review Bookshop

    At the heart of London’s literary landscape is Bloomsbury – home to prestigious universities, the famous Bloomsbury Publishing, and the eponymous group of intellectuals, artists, and writers in the 20th century. The London Review Bookshop is nestled in the neighborhood, which houses upwards of 20,000 titles and hundreds of events annually. Visitors can enjoy perusing the aisles, chatting with patrons, and having some of the best tea and pastries at the London Review Cake Shop afterward. It’s the traditional old London literary experience at its finest.

    Paper and Cup

    In East London, the eclectic and artsy Shoreditch is filled with quirky and trendy institutions. One of these is Paper and Cup, a nonprofit social enterprise that offers secondhand books and a charming café for a hot beverage and an extra slice of cake. Shoreditch’s vibrancy is reflected in Paper and Cup’s color-coded rainbow bookshelves, and you will be able to pick up a few extra titles given their cheap price tags. Check their schedule before you visit, as you may get to experience one of their bi-monthly art exhibits.

    Phlox Books

    For visitors into indie authors and books, Phlox Books is the place to go. Located in Leyton, this independent bookshop has become somewhat of a community. You can scan titles with a drink in hand and owner Aimée Madill says you don’t even have to be a reader as Phlox Books is more of a social environment. Titles are well-curated and you may even find something you haven’t heard of yet – which should be a pleasant surprise. They even host bands, performers, book launches, and other special events.

    You must etch these destinations into your future London itinerary, as they each offer their own unique experiences. Don’t fret if you somehow can’t make it to these places – these are just some of the many bookshop-cafés you’ll likely run into during your visit. Your tea-filled, literary adventure awaits!

  • 5 Safety Tips When Working From Home

    With more people than ever now working from home, it is becoming clear that such an arrangement has some clear advantages over working in the office but it also presents some new challenges when it comes to safety.

    It is imperative that you ensure your own safety when working from home, so here are a few tips on how to do just that.

    Image via Unsplash

    1. Use a Security System

     

    Contrary to popular belief, most break-ins actually occur during the day when intruders prey on houses or apartments they expect to be empty.

    It is very easy to get carried away when working from home and completely fail to notice that an intruder is trying to enter your home. Having a home security system, or even a lone worker alarm, can make all the difference if you ever find yourself in such an awful situation.

    Some lone worker alarms can even automatically call for help in the case of a medical emergency which is why you should consider using them together with home security systems.

    Depending on the system you use, they can not only let you know about the danger but also automatically direct help your way.

    2. Prepare Well & Minimize Risks

     

    Risks will always be present but that doesn’t mean that we should just accept it and feel powerless about it.

    Before you get on with your work, you can and should devote some time to making sure that some common risks are minimized.

    Simply taking a walk around your house and ensuring that your stove is turned off, the doors are locked, and the windows outside of your work area are close can eliminate a lot of risks to you or your home.

    Since most people start work in the morning, it is very possible that checking something simply slips your mind because you are still sleepy.

    This is why it helps to make a preparation checklist for the things you want to check so nothing can slip your mind.

    3. Stay in Touch with Coworkers

     

    Different jobs require different levels of maintaining contact with your coworkers but you should strive to maintain regular communication with them nonetheless.

    A sort of a daily routine is easy to set up and can be quite beneficial not only to your safety but also to your productivity. A great starting idea is to set up a daily check in at the start of the day and a check out at the end of the day.

    If you live alone, your coworkers might be the first ones to raise the alarm if something goes wrong.

    A lack of communication from your end despite established routines could be the first red flag and that alarm could make all the difference when it comes to your safety.

     4. Pay Attention to Cybersecurity

     

    It’s no secret that home computers are a lot less secure than the computers at the office.

    Office computers are often a part of a closed internal network with tightly controlled access and secured with quality software. Having cybersecurity experts on hand also helps.

    Studies have shown that the level of cybersecurity on home machines is generally very low. The last thing you want happening if you use a home computer for work is for someone to steal important company data because you weren’t careful enough.

    Provided you stick to the general rules of cybersecurity when it comes to your online behavior, a quality anti-malware solution is a great first line of defense but it is not the end-all solution to any and all problems.

    Even if your machine is protected, your home network might be vulnerable. Make sure that your WIFI password is complex and never give it out to third parties.

    Even if your password is secure, the access data for your router might not be so you should also make sure to change the default password for your router’s admin panel.

    5. Prepare Emergency Equipment

     

    While you are busy working, you never know what might be happening in some other part of your house.

    Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can alert you to any brewing emergencies before it is too late.

    Having a first aid kit as well as a small fire extinguisher near your work area can greatly enhance your ability to take care of small fires and take care of any minor injuries you could potentially sustain.

    Lone worker systems can also help to ensure you can quickly alert your company or an alarm receiving center. Alarms and apps can trigger an alert with just one click and ensure you get help quickly in the event of an emergency. 

  • How To Preserve Your Chevy Corvette

    Keep turning heads with your Chevy Corvette’s stunning paint job. Your stunning sports car deserves the very best in terms of care and protection, so find out how to preserve your vehicle today. Learn how to care for your car cover, how to choose an indoor car cover and where to go for affordable protective gear today.

    Wash, Wax and Dust

    Washing and waxing your vehicle is the foundation of car care. Dust, debris and other contaminants can quickly scratch and fade your paint. UV rays can also fade your paint. Wash your Corvette with premier car shampoo, microfiber towels and reliable car wax.

    These steps can be time consuming. That’s why it’s helpful to pick up a professional car duster. Dusters gently brush away dust and dirt in between washes. This offers a level of protection that isn’t as strenuous as a full wash and wax service. Dusting isn’t a substitute for a good wash and wax, but it can preserve your look in between waxing.

    Indoor Protection

    When your sports car is parked for the day, protect it with a cover. Chevy Corvette car covers are ideal at preserving your car while you’re not cruising around town. Choose an indoor cover that matches the quality and style of your Corvette. Look for a cover that has a 100% cotton interior that fits snug against your car.

    Pure cotton is soft and absorbent. It doesn’t scratch your car’s exterior paint when it’s pressed against it. A secure fit prevents it from flapping around. Even a high-quality car cover can scratch your Corvette if it isn’t properly secured. Look for other great features for indoor car covers like easy folding options and breathable materials. Convenient folding options help keep your garage neatly organized.

    An indoor cover may be more affordable and easier to store, but it isn’t a substitute for an outdoor cover. These covers are only designed for very mild moisture conditions, so they aren’t recommended for outdoor use. Don’t try to pick up a single cover for all situations but use the right cover for the right storage situation.

    Outdoor Solutions

    Your Corvette should have a dedicated garage stall. However, when you’re away from home or your garage is full of another vehicle or project, you need an outdoor solution. Search for an outdoor cover that is water resistant but still allows your sports car to breathe. This will prevent moisture buildup inside your cover.

    Outdoor covers should have at least two layers: an inner layer of cotton for scratch-free storage and an outer layer of durable material to protect against scratches and direct rainfall. Just like an indoor cover, your outdoor protection needs to fit securely against your car.

    Preserve Your Chevy Corvette Today

    After investing in a stunning Corvette, be sure you invest in a suitable car cover. Preserve your ride today with a custom outdoor car cover or indoor cover today. Explore the benefits of a high-quality, custom-fit cover today and protect your investment with an affordable cover. Don’t park your Corvette naked, but keep it covered whether it’s indoors or outside.

  • Starting an Online Business: As Easy as it Sounds?

    It is easy to look at the success of ecommerce even during COVID-19 and to decide that starting your own online store is an easy way to make money. While there is certainly the potential for success with ecommerce, it is also important to understand that it is fiercely competitive, hard to get your name out there and challenging to get people to take a chance on your store.

    Ecommerce Businesses on the Rise

    Banner printing specialists instantprint conducted research that revealed that nearly half a million new businesses were registered in 2020 and it was retail sales (online and mail-order houses) that were the most popular with 22,011 new registrations. The pandemic has led many to reflect on their livelihoods and explore new opportunities, plus many people will have been out of work or potentially looking to supplement their income.

    Changing Consumer Habits

    COVID-19 also changed people’s buying habits in 2020 with a huge increase in online shopping and bulk buying. People who previously did not shop online were forced to and many people starting buying items online that they previously bought in-store, so it seems that the market is in a strong position right now and ecommerce is expected to continue to flourish even with lockdown restrictions easing.

    Starting an Online Store

    Starting an online store is relatively straightforward, but finding success in a competitive industry like this is tough. As with any new business, there are a few steps that you need to take first such as market research, writing a business plan, securing funding and registering the business.

    Finding Success

    The key is to sell products that are currently trending and not too niche so that you can target a large group, such as health and fitness products or clothing. You also need to make sure that you choose a good platform for your ecommerce store and provide high-quality product details. 

    Attracting Customers

    In terms of attracting customers to your business, social media is key and can make it much easier to compete with more established online stores. You need to create a strong following by creating and sharing high-quality and useful content for your target customer, engaging with followers and keeping people updated with the store. You also need to make customer service a priority and make it easy for people to reach you whether this is live chat on the website, social media, email or phone. 

    It is understandable that people are looking to start their own online stores looking at the success of ecommerce. Setting up an online store can be straightforward enough, but success will not fall on your lap and you need to be willing to put the time, money and energy into getting your online store out there and to start attracting customers.

  • How to Wear Bold Colours

    When it comes to fashion, many people shy away from bold colours and instead opt for darker shades and monochrome. While this certainly can look stylish, bold colours can be a great way to bring your wardrobe to life, turn heads and make your outfits more fun. The key is to understand how to wear these colours and what works well together – read on to find out more.

    Image via Unsplash

    The Colour Wheel

    The Colour Wheel is a brilliant device when it comes to fashion (or anything creative) yet it is something that many people are unaware of. The general rule of thumb with the colour wheel is that colours on the opposite side work well with what you have chosen and this can be a smart way to wear bold colours and prints without them clashing or looking odd. In addition to the opposite side of the wheel, you will also find that colours that are next to one another are visually appealing together, such as green and blue.

    Maintain the Same Tone

    Another smart way to wear bold colours is to ensure that the same colour tone is kept throughout. If you have an orange skirt, for example, then you should try to find orange heels that are the same tone – if it is a different shade of orange, you will lose balance and the outfit will look odd.

    One Colour

    Following this, another way that you can start to wear bold colours is simply to wear one colour from top to bottom. This can feel a little odd at first, but if you blend different materials and shades in then it can blend and give your look depth. In addition to clothing, do not shy away from adding the same colour accessories, such as a bold shoulder bag to add to your outfit.

    Statement Pieces

    If you are hesitant about jumping in with head to toe bold colours, then a good starting point is to simply have one bold piece of clothing that you wear in addition to your darker clothing, such as a powder blue shirt and black jeans.

    You should not shy away from wearing bold colours as it can look fantastic, bring your wardrobe to life and even change the way in which you feel. It can be intimidating at first, but when you know how to wear bold colours and what works well in combination then you can completely transform your wardrobe and improve your fashion sense greatly.